Students say | Aboutme

Mrs. Powell...

Nikhat M'am...

Madeline Croft says,

"Dear whomever this may concern,

Throughout the years, having Mrs. Powell as a teacher of mine has affected me in such an astonishing and tremendous way. She is tough, strict, and as she likes to call herself, “The Bad Cop”. Though, behind the strictness, Mrs. Powell has an incredibly loving soul for everyone of whom she may come across. Her teachings do not only apply to the world within filmmaking, but as well as the other journeys we may encounter within our lives.

I have learned more from Mrs. Powell in the past two years, then I have within the other 14. She has planted seeds within each of our hearts, all of which continue to blossom more and more each day as we grow to love film. Mrs. Powell is the most outstanding teacher you’ll ever meet, she is sure to bring her passion, dedication, and hardwork, within filmmaking into the classroom each day.

Mrs. Powell has a way of involving and engaging her students into their studies. I don’t forget her lessons like I do with the other teachers. This is because her lessons mean something to me, because Mrs. Powell has inspired me to care so deeply for the information I obtain within her presence.

Mrs. Powell is most genuinely one of the most remarkable teachers, and people, you’ll ever meet. People like Mrs. Powell are rare, and quite impeccable.

Kind regards,

Madeleine Croft"

Student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts,

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, FL, USA

October 20, 2023

Marc Gracia says,

"I learned more in five hours with you than I did in the past two years! "

Student at Itawamba Community College

Fulton, MS, USA

March 21, 2015

Isabell Orosz says,

"I am writing this letter to recommend Mrs. Nikhat Powell for any teaching position or professional opportunity that she may seek. I have had the privilege of working with her for the past 2 years where she has consistently demonstrated herself as an exceptionally hardworking and dedicated educator.

Mrs. Powell has an unwavering work ethic, and you can expect a lot of organization and dedication from her. She displays an incredible ability to manage various teaching methods and her adaptability allows her to reach students effectively. Mrs. Powell is an excellent team player and is always open to new ideas from her colleagues. She is always willing to enhance the education experience in any way possible. She is open to new ideas and is always seeking development in her skills.

Mrs. Powell leads by example and works in an effective timely manner in order to get the job done. She isn’t a person who works just because she has to but a person who works because she has displayed a true passion and dedication towards working in the past 2 years. In my
experience she has always been on top of her things and has willingly participated in curriculum development and departmental meetings.

Mrs. Powell provides well-prepared lessons, and she takes the time to provide meaningful feedback and critiques. I have experienced her tireless efforts in making sure her students got the best education possible and making sure that they are on the right track. If you don’t understand something Mrs. Powell always took it into extent to even help out that one person from the entire group that didn’t understand something. Mrs. Powell is the most proactive
person I know, and she is quick to come up with solutions. Problem solving, leadership, and time management are some of her strongest skills she has displayed over the years.

Mrs. Powell exhibits a positive attitude in everything she does and because of that it creates a productive work environment. If you work with Mrs. Powell, you will understand that there is a time and place for everything and that will teach you many valuable life lessons. She is a person who engraves information into people in the nicest way possible, but she isn’t afraid to tell you that you messed up along the way. She is a person who is real and honest with others and will tell you straight up if you need to fix something. She will push you until you are succeeding and even after that she will make sure that you are on the right track. Working with someone like Mrs. Powell has pushed me to become a better filmmaker each and every day."

Sophomore Student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, FL, USA

October 14, 2023

Lydia Broward says,

" Ms. Powell is the type of teacher that every student deserves to learn from. Having her as my educator and mentor over my 4 years in high school was an honor and I learned so much about filmmaking, my artistic style, and who I am as a person through her. Ms. Powell always took the time to sit down with me and help me in any way, especially during my senior year. She helped me discover the story I wanted to tell and having the ability to bounce ideas off of each other to create the story in my mind helped me find my artistic vision for my film. Every assignment and task she gives us helps us in one way or another, whether it be related to film and how lighting tells a story, or an assignment that helps us work on our organization and formatting skills. Every lesson plan and assignment is well thought-out and always executed to its fullest potential. It has been a pleasure learning from Ms. Powell, and I hope to take everything I have learned from her with me in my future. "

Graduating Senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

June 10, 2023

Katherine Page says,

" I am so honored to say that I had the privilege of having been taught by Mrs. Powell during my three years in Douglas Anderson's Cinematic Arts Department. Her classes have not only made me a well-rounded filmmaker and student, but also a well-rounded person. Her real-life experiences and industry-oriented perspectives are extremely valuable and insightful for any student, film or otherwise. Mrs. Powell's lessons and anecdotes will stay with me for decades to come; she's an excellent educator and an outstanding person. Mrs. Powell is a treasure. "

Kaity Page

Graduating Senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

June 9, 2023

Dean Lobo says,

"I was privileged to be taught by Prof. Nikhat during my two years of media studies at SIMC (PG), Pune. Not initially being from this field, my mind was filled with a number of apprehensions and doubts, even about technicalities and basics. However Prof. Nikhat largely contributed in helping me channelize my thoughts and aspirations towards stepping into the challenging industry.

Her methods of teaching are something that I will keep and use in practice for years to come. I remember the night before our Audio Visual Communication paper, which was at the end of a week long leg of examinations. Without having to really get into a detailed reading of the subject matter, I was able to answer the paper extremely well, simply because I could actually visualize each and every thing she was saying in class as I turned the pages. Such is the manner in which she made us understand concepts.

Besides being a innovative educator with a right intention of being extremely strict, Prof. Nikhat is also a wonderful person, someone whom I looked up to, especially when I headed the students academics forum in my final year. There were times I had no idea about how to progress or times I even faced a larger issue from students with regards to deadlines et al. But Nikhat Ma'am always encouraged me to keep carrying on. She used to tell me, 'If you and I give up, then who will solve the larger problem?!'

Prof. Nikhat's ability to teach us beyond the confines of classroom and inspire us to never give up and always believe in and think of a plan B in any situation is something that's also going to help me after I step into the industry.

My good wishes are always with Prof. Nikhat. May many more young and creative minds have the privilege to learn under her guidance and get inspired."

Scholastic Books, Toronto, Canada

Student at SIMC - 2013-14

August 26, 2013

Dallas Thompson says,

"Mrs. Powell is not just the single most passionate teacher I have ever met, but the most passionate filmmaker. I consider it a privilege to have sat under her teaching for the past few years. Her method of teaching has stood out to me and is not something you will find from anyone else. In her class, I don't worry about the grading aspect, but more-so improving myself as an artist. If you have Mrs. Powell, be prepared to work a lot, but also recognize that she puts in the same, if not more, work into examining her students' work and helping them become the best cinematic artists that they can be. "

Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, FL, USA

December 27, 2018

Sebastian Keller says,

"Nikhat Powell is one of the most determined teachers I have ever met. She will put her blood sweat and tears for a student in order for them to perform the best that they can do. She's passionate for her art and wants the best for her student's successes, as well as her colleagues."

Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

December 28, 2018

Swati Varma says,

"Nikhat ma'am for me stands for procedure, perfection & professional. I completed my Post Graduation Diploma in Broadcast Journalism under her from IIJNM, Bangalore. She was up to date with the subjects that she used to teach & she was always open to ideas and never ever blocked a point of view because it was new or different. She instilled the importance of procedure into all of us starting from as basic a thing as logging one's tape to the way we function while we edit. Also most importantly the way she taught us to respect our equipment, take care of it - make the optimum utilization of it. And possibly that's the reason why she was a perfectionist. I still remember even as a teacher how she used to go that extra mile and accommodate us when we had doubts and stuff even late nights. She was one of the best teacher's I have had. I would always from the bottom of my heart thank her for all that she taught me as a

teacher and a person."

Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative

Associate Producer, Times Now.

TV Student at Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore, India in 2006

July 7, 2011

Vineetha Athrey says,

"Learning from Nikhat has been a phenomenal experience. Right from ideating to having a bank of film ideas and ways to execute them, to getting the technical nitty-gritties right to making the entire product or film come to life - she taught me that hard work can also be exhilarating and fun! And I actually looked forward to the grind! You will be so compelled and moved to match her level of passion and commitment, that it's a given that the final product would be the best that you can do. It's going to be grueling and exacting, as Nikhat urges you to pay the ultimate attention to quality (and not just meet deadlines, although there's great emphasis on that). But then, TV is not meant for the faint-hearted!

And if you think that's where my learning from Nikhat ends, well, there's more. While EVERYTHING I know about TV, documentary film-making and production comes from Nikhat, I've learnt as much from her as a person as I have as a professional. She is a remarkable human being, has tremendous integrity, is kind, strong, and someone I've often turned to for sound advice on any and everything. I truly wish all of you, future students, the very best. You will be recounting your days under Nikhat's tutelage among the finest of your life. "

Sr. Business Correspondent,

CNBC - TV 18

Student at IIJNM , 2007

September 13, 2013

Vishaka Joshi says,

"Dear Nikhat ma'am,

I take this opportunity to thank you for all the valuable lessons that you have taught us. I still remember my first session with you, it was about stories! You taught me to visualize my stories. How I loved that way you narrated simple stories to us, to make us understand complex concepts. You have not only been an understanding mentor but have also unknowingly acted as a source of immense support to me. You pushed me to try things I was always scared to even think of, you made me write stories, and helped me believe in my work.

Ma'am, you do not have the slightest idea how greatly you have changed my life! And I might never be able to thank you enough for it. If not for you my journey in SIMC wouldn't ever have been so impactful.

I can only say that YOU inspire me... everyday. "

Student at Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (PG),

Symbiosis International University,

Pune, India - 2012-14

March 7, 2014

Harini says,

"What struck me the most in all the time that I've known Nikhat is that she thoroughly enjoys the challenges and rewards of the classroom. She is always seeking new and better methods to teach her students. She shows a genuine interest in the well being of her students and treats each of her students with the same dedication and enthusiasm, putting their learning above all else.

Her class room is well organized. Her lesson plans are well thought out and she is innovative in tailoring them to the abilities of her students to advance their learning.

With her numerous abilities, she will be no doubt but an asset for any institute. I wish her the very best in all her endeavors."

Harini Lakshminarayan Assistant Director, Zero Rules (Ad film Production house)

Student at MIM in 2003

June 2, 2011

Faith Hendrix says,

"Mrs. Powell is one of the only teachers that I've met that has pushed me to my limit and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. All the assignments, videos, and projects have such an integral purpose in how we learn the process of filmmaking. I can very confidently say that what I've learned from all those things have saved me more than once on a set. She's not only dedicated to the art but to the students and will do anything to make sure that they succeed. Mrs. Powell understands that the material she's teaching is stuff that we'll use for the rest of our careers and always makes sure that we have a deep comprehension of each topic. It really has been a pleasure learning from her and working with her these last few years. Mrs. Powell is one of the hardest working people I've met and has never wavered once in her ethic. From her example, I've tried to better myself as a filmmaker and as a person.

Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

November 17, 2020

Lena Neal says,

"In my few years attending a film program, I have come to saturate my mind with nebulous masterpieces, experience and find the value of works derived from cultures outside of western cinema, and truly grasp the hard, almost sadistic, work it takes to earn the right to call myself a filmmaker , all under the guidance of Mrs. Powell. Even in times when I myself did not believe I could reach a higher level as an artist, Mrs. Powell held my peers and I to a standard greater than our personal apprehension. She has led me through the ins and outs of cinema as an artistic medium, emphasizing the masterful conventions of esoteric filmmakers I would otherwise overlook, and giving me a tangible grasp to an industry that often feels like a mirage.

Mrs. Powell ensures the quality of her student’s education by devoting time to instruction, calling upon industry professionals, and doing whatever it takes to keep the student engaged. She values what the student will learn, not only in film but, also in life which pervades in her teachings. Mrs. Powell transcends expectation and I am forever indebted for all that she had taught me.
"

Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

December 2018

Brooke Knowles says,

"I currently have the privilege and honor of being taught by Ms. Nikhat Powell. Ms. Powell is one of the most thorough and detailed instructors I have ever worked with. She truly cares about each and every student, and actually makes a point to individually ask each student if they "get it" as she goes around the room to make sure before going on to the next topic.

Ms. Powell has a wealth of knowledge about the film industry. I have learned more in my first semester of school than I ever thought possible. It is readily apparent how invested she is in her craft, and how she wishes to pass her passion and skill along to the next generation.

I am truly lucky and fortunate to have an instructor as talented and invested as Ms.Powell, as she inspires me as a female film maker to follow my path and the confidence to pave my way in the future. "

Freshman at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, FL, USA

January 7, 2019

Ashley Kramer says,

"Being a student of Ms. Powell’s has been wonderful. She is truly dedicated to encouraging each student reach their fullest potential. She does not hesitate to take personal time with each student in order to help them understand the matter at hand. Furthermore, Ms. Powell continually emphasizes the importance of artistic and creative progression rather than the grade on the report card, which speaks to her dedication as both a filmmaker and a teacher. I feel incredibly grateful to know and learn from Ms. Powell!"

Senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts,

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

January 1, 2019

Rori Links says,

"Nikhat Powell... While I have only known her for a semester, she has already gone far beyond the limits of my expectations as to what a teacher should be. She skillfully uses a combination of traditional classroom lessons and hands-on experiences to teach the art of film. Years in the industry allows her to teach us what she knows will help us later in life. Her class is a challenge, and an arts course at Douglas Anderson should be no less.

Ms. Powell is one of the most dedicated individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only is she dedicated to her art, but equally so to her students and their filmmaking.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from her and I am looking forwards to the next three and a half years of having her as my teacher!

Thanks for being my teacher! Happy New Year!"

Freshman at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts,

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

January 3, 2019

Gabriel Dioso says,

"Mrs. Nikki Powell is perhaps the most driven individual I have ever seen in my short, but rather eventful film career.

As one of her current students in her latest endeavor at Douglas Anderson in Jacksonville, Fl, she has helped take my filmmaking to an entirely new and elevated level. As executive producer aboard my senior capstone project, Mrs. Powell has guided me along the right paths to not only complete, but rather strive in the making my final project.

As for her classroom and theory etiquette, I have learned so much about the vast media which we filmmakers immerse ourselves in, regarding history, directing, producing, director’s style, and how we can use every single aspect of the camera to give further and deeper meaning to the messages we attempt to convey. She is truly an amazing teacher."

Cinematic Arts Department Technical Director

Senior Class Representative

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

(#5 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Florida)

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

December 24, 2018

Nikita Bhayani says,

"Ma'am you have been a true guide, friend and philosopher. I am really privileged to be a part of your class. Your discipline and systematic way of teaching has immensely helped me. You never got tired of questions I had to ask and you always make it a point to address it as soon as possible..You have been supportive through out and you have always given us your feedback which eventually we have tried and applied in our application.

Thank you so much Ma'am for imparting your knowledge to us. "

Student at Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (PG),

Symbiosis International University,

Pune, India - 2013-14

August 24, 2013

Sebastian Chandy says,

"Nikhat was a passionate teacher listening to whom, one could get lost in the vibrant landscape of one's imagination. She brings out the beauty in every minor detail in movie making. She changed my perspective of the art.

Because of Nikhat, I've stopped watching good movies. Instead, I study, dissect and analyze them to understand the surreal working of all interlinked elements. I owe a lot to Nikhat for opening up my world to the beauty of Cinema. Magic in Motion was truly a magical experience! "

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, On Time

Independent Entrepreneur.

Student at MIM - 2006

July 27, 2009

Divya Gojer says,

"Nikhat is not just a teacher but a mentor. Nearly five years after I passed out from IIJNM, I still turn to her for professional advice, as I respect her wealth of experience in the field of film making. She is not just passionate about this field but is a true professional. Every thought and action of hers is very well planned and the results she can produce are exceptional!"

Social Media Specialist, UAE

TV Student at Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore, India in 2006

October 17, 2013

Saurabh Bhandari says,

" I take great pride in telling myself that I had a teacher and an administrator such as you. In terms of teaching, I would regard you as a one man army. Linear and crystal clear delivery of concepts. Be it Audio – Visual Communication,

Editing, Documentary, Screenplay Writing and even photography.

Over the last few months, the learning has been tremendous. I still feel there is a world of learning left to be touched and looked into. Thank you for showing us the tip of the ice-berg and ensuring that some of the best from the industry came to teach us. I really appreciate and cherish that. I also personally endorse the ideology of going one step at a time and not jumping head on without getting the base right. You have also been very forthcoming and instilled a sense of freedom in us to confidently come up to you and discuss pertinent and trivial issues. Thank you."

Saurabh Bhandari,

AV Student at SIMC in 2013-14

March 20, 2014

Jeanette Rodrigues says,

"I had the benefit of being trained by Ms Powell at the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media in Bangalore, where I worked towards a postgraduate diploma in journalism.

In a world where the tools of television are an absolute essential for a journalist, the skills I learnt thanks to Ms Powell's abilities with the video camera and editing software - and most importantly her ability to convey the same to her students - have been an invaluable asset.

Clarity of mind and diction are what impressed me most about Ms Powell, and I hope that many more can learn from her what I did. "

Top qualities: Expert, On Time, Creative

Jeanette Rodrigues,

Correspondent at Bloomberg LP

Student at IIJNM in 2005

June 6, 2011

Vasudevan Sridharan says,

"Nikhat is a very patient and thoughtful instructor. She was instrumental in making us understand basic film making grammar and inspirational in giving us the confidence to bring that theory into practice through our film that we wrote, scripted, shot and edited at the end of the 8 week MIM workshop. Meticulous planning and being receptive to varied opinions, these two qualities are something I learnt from her and still try my best to incorporate them in my daily life, long after the MIM workshop got over. "

Associate Consultant

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Student at MIM, Bangalore, India.

February 9, 2010

Ashpreet Sethi says,

"This is an honour.

I have had an interesting journey with Nikhat ma'am. She has played an important role and been one of my inspirations for what and where I am today. She is a wonderful teacher who helps you enhance your passion for Journalism. No doubt she is strict, but there is a valid reason behind this sternness. She gives you a clear picture of what the real world comprises of. Even now when we watch movies or documentaries we are reminded of her lessons. There are times when I am counting the black frames and smiling during a sad scene in the movie because I am happy with the shot.

I have always looked forward to her classes in college because she helped come to the forefront and realise my potential at the professional and personal levels. Her animated way of digging the details in film making is outstanding. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher ma'am. Your teachings will always be valued and remembered.

Good luck ma'am. You deserve the best."

Ashpreet Sethi, Reporter cum Sub-Editor

The Sunday Guardian Newspaper

Student at IIJNM

July 8, 2011

Rashmi Varier says,

"Nikhat is a very detail-oriented person and sets high goals not only for her students but for herself as well. Her mannerisms and determination inspires us to set similar benchmarks in not only our professional paths but personal lives as well.

As our course instructor, she made sure that each student got personal attention and were given adequate opportunities to improve upon our unique specialities.

Her dedication to the school shows in her effort to keep in touch with past students to keep them updated with the latest trends and opportunities in the world of filmmaking . She constantly encourages to approach her for further assistance if required. Diligent, straight-forward and a motivating force, I highly recommend Nikhat and wish her much success with MIM and in her personal aspirations. "

Rashmi Varier

Entrepreneur

Student, Magic In Motion

July 6, 2009

Rubeena Shaikh says,

"Honestly ma'am it is an honour to be taught by you. I have learnt all basics to advanced level of our audio visual course and majority of the credits go to you. Your strict discipline and structured methods of teaching has helped me a lot and I have tried my best to follow all your techniques and advice as much as possible. You have been very supportive and helpful and a guiding star whenever in need and I know I can approach you with any issue, be it personal or professional and you will always be around to help me out with it.

Thanks for everything ma'am,"

Rubeena Shaikh

Student at SIMC(PG) - 2013-14

August 27, 2013

George J Chacko says,

"When I joined MIM. I was hoping to get an understanding of the Video medium, and see if I had the necessary ability to be able to take it up as a career. The course content was well thought out, with a carefully planned progression that helped us understand all the stages and components that went into a making a good Video presentation. The teaching methodology was innovative and had a good balance of theory and practicals, I remember looking back, at the end of the course, at the guest faculty we were exposed to; (who were industry experts) at the quality & quantity of material we were given in terms of notes and practical exercises; at the amount of time we were given for shooting and editing our final projects, and realizing that I really got a good deal for what I had invested in myself by way of the Course fees.

MIM helped me confidently take up opportunities in technical as well as creative aspects of television production as I had my basic concepts strongly in place, and it helped me make a mark and get a strong foothold in the industry . It helped me realize my strengths and capabilities, and gave me the confidence to study further and make a career in Television production."

George J Chacko

Broadcast Sound Engineer, Mumbai

Student at MIM - 1997

August 10, 2013

Kriti Sud says,

"A level headed, reasonable person with an eye for detail and a passion for media, education and student development, Ms. Nikhat is a strong individual who respects and encourages students who are eager to learn. She not only focuses on curricular development but on over all development of the students. She firmly believes a strong foundation helps build sound structures and pushes students to deepen their understanding of subjects and the industry.

A great teacher and mentor who applauds your efforts, helps you stay focused, corrects you, pushes you and reassures you when needed and also doesn't hesitate to rap you if you stray to get you back on track."

Kriti Sud

Associate at Standard Chartered.

Student at SIMC (PG) - 2013-14

March 26, 2015